Willi Carlisle in Columbus

Willi Carlisle is an American folk singer-songwriter based in Arkansas whose narrative songs draw on country, old-time music and traditional ballads. His best-known work includes the albums Peculiar, Missouri and Critterland, as well as songs such as “Tulsa’s Last Magician.” At Pickathon, Carlisle performed solo with guitar, banjo and accordion, combining original songs, traditional material and spoken storytelling. He later made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville and appeared at Newport Folk Festival.

Tall Tall Trees is the experimental folk project of American songwriter and banjo player Mike Savino. Built around an electrified banjo, vocals and looping, the project is known for the albums Freedays and A Wave of Golden Things. Tall Tall Trees has toured as an opening act for Kishi Bashi and has also performed as part of his touring ensemble, appearing in clubs and theatres across the United States. Solo sets use loop pedals and the Banjotron 5000, a customized electric banjo that lets Mike Savino layer melodies, rhythm and percussion in real time.